Lot details Registration No: NT 7407 Chassis No: K414047 Mot Expiry: None
Operating out of an ex-munitions factory in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Cubitt's Engineering Co. Ltd was a subsidiary of Holland, Hannen & Cubitt (the construction giant which had built Osbourne House for Queen Victoria). Introduced in 1920, the initial Cubitt 15.9hp (or 16/20) model was built at the rate of sixty cars per week by a 1,000-strong workforce. Based on a sturdy ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension, rear-wheel drum brakes and a worm-drive back axle, it was powered by a torquey 2815cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine allied to four-speed manual transmission (complete with centre gearchange). A somewhat conservatively styled open tourer, it was reputedly capable of 54mph and sustained 35mph cruising. Despite expanding its range with K-type and L-type versions of the 16/20, difficulties in obtaining steady supplies of certain key components saw Cubitt begin to haemorrhage money. Called in to help stem the flow, J.S. Napier and S.F. Edge instigated the use of new final drive ratios and sleeker bodywork but were unable to prevent Cubitt from folding during 1925. Although, approximately 3,000 Cubitt cars were made in period, less than a dozen are thought to have survived.
Finished in blue over black with blue rexine upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "OK" (2998cc engine, electrical equipment), "good" (four-speed manual gearbox, interior trim) or "very good" (chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Reportedly "rebuilt by Tarmac who owned Holland, Hannen & Cubitt", 'NT 7407' is further understood to have spent time on display at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Bodied as a two-seater plus dickey, it is thought to have begun life in Shropshire (or so its number plate would imply). Riding on disc wheels typical of the marque, this exceptionally rare Vintage tourer is said to have been "last used in 1999 on the Land's End Run".
PLEASE NOTE: We have not had this vehicle running.
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